What Megan and I find to do when we're bored at 10:00pm on a summer night! 

Crime Scene! 

Mangled bodies...ewww! 

Hit and Run! 

Friends Forever

So tonight I went out with 2 of my good friends (one of whom is moving to Iowa! Ahhhh!). We had the time of our lives! I missed having the white chocolate mousse from the Redwood Room however. I can't believe they discontinued it! Boy! Did I let them know what a mistake that was! We tried 2 of their other desserts and they totally sucked! And that's being nice! The pizza was Yummy however! I wish we could do more of that and we promised to stay in touch and do something together again. I believe we will keep that promise because we all agreed that we are like sisters as if we were truly blood relatives. Sooo many memories and sooo many shared trials and tribulations. Isn't that what family is all about? Being there for each other and communicating our hopes, desires, dreams, frustrations, etc. Yeah...I think so. My only wish was that I had brought my camera so I could have taken a snapshot. I'm so bad at remembering to do that. Rick always takes the pictures at our house and I always forget to bring it along. Silly me!
On another note...Jamey...your blog is really random this time. Kinda funny and entertaining to say the least. Are these your thoughts or were they stolen from someone else? Hmmm? Megan...We will have to schedule a day to just hang out. It never seems to work out when we both have days off. I don't know what's up with that but we'll figure something out soon OK? I love you both with all my heart!
I hope that people will comment on my blog this time. For whatever reason they haven't shared their voices with me. Disappointing. I love to read your comments! So comment away folks. Keep it interesting. Try to stay cool...it's about time I have to say that! Yeah for summer!!!!!!!

Our Hotel located on 44th St. and 5th Ave. Just 2 blocks from Times Square! We could walk everywhere! 

The Today Show! Schmoozing with the stars! 

Strawberry Field in Central Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon (his home is across the street). 

Beautiful castle in Central Park. You can climb to the top! 

and Liberty for all! 

A Carriage ride through Central Park after dinner at Tavern On the Green. We were dressed for the show "Spamalot". What a wonderful evening! 

One view from the Empire State Building. Truly Amazing! 

New York! New Yoooork!

So long city of endless entertainment! We loved you! Thank you for being such a great host to us! We felt overwhelmingly welcome. What a beautiful country we live in! Go...See...Participate...in Life! Have no regrets. There is a whole world to experience. Just do it!

A Day or two in the life....

Time goes by sooo quickly! I don't know how this happens. Can someone explain it to me? I can't wait for a certain day to get here and then when it does, I wonder where the time went? My nephew graduated from High School and I wonder what life has in store for him. My son got back from a trip to Italy and I wonder what life has in store for him now too. It's soooo strange to sit back and watch these changes occurring. I've always been the one in the midst of change and too busy to notice everything I guess. Now that life has slowed down a bit for me it's kinda neat to sit back and watch. Sometimes it's hard not to interfere too. Especially for me because I only want the best for people and when they are struggling it's soooo hard not to get involved. Rick and I will leave for New York on Thursday and see the sights. I am definitely going to see where the Twin Towers were (Ground Zero). It will be a very humbling and emotional experience. We plan to have dinner at Tavern on the Green and see the play "Spamalot" on Friday. Rick is soooo excited! It's a spoof based on "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", his favorite movie. Megan will be home to watch the kids (cats). My mom and dad are coming from Arizona to stay with us soon so I have to get ready for them also. They will need to have all the comforts of home and I plan to provide it. I'm sorry I'm rambling but there are so many things going on...a few I'm saving to share with you later. Betcha can't wait huh? yeah...whatever Cindy.

Will the rain ever end?

So....we've had rain every day for the past month I think. Will it ever end? Our yard is a bog that squishes water when you walk! Unbelievably the weatherman has predicted more rain all week!! And if you do step outside to enjoy any sunshine there is you are quickly carried away by all the gnats and mosquitos!! Why do I live here you ask? Good question. I think I'm going to plan a tour of the country and find a better place to live...hmmmm....was that the ocean I heard calling me?? Jamey is in Italy right now. He had a little trouble hooking up with Allana (his friend) but finally found her in Florence. I hope they enjoy the sights. Wish I was there. Megan got back from Chicago just fine and is now busy working, working, working, and making lotsa money for London. Rick and I will head off to the "Big Apple" next Thursday through Monday. I'll try to post before I leave. Try to stay warm and dry everyone. Summer's got to be right around the corner...don't ya think?

Summer!!!

I can finally say I've seen the sun 3 days in a row! Unbelievable! I have been gardening my fool head off and loving it! I'm currently painting a secretary desk and washing bedding. Windows are washed and the house has been cleaned. I have truly slid into the housewife role quite easily. I haven't had time to be bored yet. Megan is currently in Chicago visiting friends and going to the play "Wicked". I can't wait to hear of her adventure! She drove down with a friend and informed me that she is driving home since her friend drove there. We'll all say a prayer she makes it home safely. Rick and I leave for New York in 16 days! We'll be staying right downtown Manhatten! Should be loads of fun! I bought tickets for us to go see the play "Spamalot" which has been nominated for 14 Tony Awards! For those of you who aren't "in the know", it's a spoof of the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie. It's gotten great reviews. Rick was delighted. We have dinner reservations at the Tavern on the Green too! I love that place! Well....I'll fill you in more later but for now...have a great week and enjoy our sunshine. Ya neva know what tomorah will bring!
Oh Happy Day!

Even Big Kids Love the Lion King! 

Let Me Hear Ya Rooooar!

Yeah for LION KING!! BEST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION I've ever seen!! AMAZING!! We got goosebumps and Megan said she had tears in her eyes it was sooooo overwhelming! If you ever get a chance to see the play....JUST DO IT!! No matter what the cost...you won't ever regret it! I'll go see it again...maybe New York!!

Rainy Days and Mondays...

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays!!

What is going on??!! God...shall I remind you that this is not supposed to be MONSOON WEATHER?!?! Give us a break ok?? Weatherman says next week a chance for showers every FREAKIN' day!! Today (Saturday) was supposed to be a day of yard work. Kinda impossible with nothing but rain and mud. Sooooo.....we'll go up to Randy and Michelle's for dinner and then check out Jamey's Design Studio Grand Opening! You can check out his official invitation at this web address: http://sevnthsin.com/foursCompany/
Ya gotta check it out! It's hilarious! For those of you who aren't "in the know", Jamey has his business set up in the wharehouse district of Minneapolis along with 3 other people who have their own design business. 2 of them do design full time while Jamey and one of his other buddies work part time there and full time at Target.com. We'll go congratulate them on their new enterprise and then let the young people have their fun after we leave. That's the way it works now, I guess, old people are invited to come and go promptly so the kids can party. It's just nice to see them be successful.
So let's all put our hands together and pray for a week of sunshine! You are my Sunshine...My only Sunshine (you know who you are)!

Refrigerator Blues

How can anyone have this much trouble with one STUPID refrigerator?! Remember back a few weeks ago when within one weeks time I managed to crash my car and my refrigerator stopped working? Welllll.....we've had nothing but refrigerator blues since then! Let's re-visit the past for just a bit shall we? It all started one Sunday afternoon. I just returned from a trip to the grocery store only to find that my refrigerator of 15 years finally "kicked the bucket". Sooooo....off we went to find a new one! Since most of the appliance stores aren't open on Sundays we ended up begrudgingly purchasing a floor model from Best Buy (I say this because it is NOT my favorite store). Since they didn't offer to transport it for me we hauled it home -with me in the back of the pick-up holding on for dear life! 2 days later I'm noticing a "WEIRD NOISE" . Best Buy tells me to have a mechanic come look at it to decipher what the heck it is. That said...a very nice servicemen (they are apparently the only ones interested in customer service) advised me to have it replaced (something to do with the compressor). So I go back to the beloved Best Buy (yeah, right) and order another one only to be told that model is discontinued
...pick another! I pick another and pay $100 more with delivery and pick up scheduled for 2 weeks later (no matter...I get to keep the old one until the new one comes-just wanna keep my food cold, folks). 4 days before the scheduled delivery I get a phone call declaring the refrigerator I ordered is unavailable and I need to pick another one that day in order to receive it on my scheduled delivery day!! Unbelievable!! It's now 4:45 pm and I have to make a decision in 10 minutes! I go online and pick one out with specific details and instructions. Now skip forward to Wednesday. I have arranged my schedule to accomodate a delivery for Wednesday morning. Ok...once again...very nice servicemen come to my house in the pouring rain (the sun was shining one hour before they got there-how predictable!). They have a HUGE brand new truck they won't drive down my driveway because they don't want the tree branches to scratch it...Awwwww! The 2 servicemen come into the house to scope out the delivery process. Upon seeing my "white" refrigerator one of the very kind servicemen says to me "By the way...You do realize the refrigerator we're delivering has stainless front with black sides?" OH MY GOD!! Cindy slumps to the chair and shakes her head. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!! No one is around Best Buy to fix my dilemma so I send back both refrigerators! Now I have groceries stuffed in my daughter's very small college refrigerator and no place to put my Veggies! What's a woman to do? I travel into Rochester on business errands and stop in to clean up my account with Best Buy only to find that I have forgotten the paperwork on the counter at home! I am assuming that fate is at work here and everything will work out in due time. I should have a REAL Refrigerator being delivered from "Geyer's" Appliance Store today! Only problem is that I won't be here to make sure it's right. Megan has to get her butt outta bed to accomodate the delivery. I could write a book about these experiences! Oh wait...I do believe I just did! Ha! I think I could use a prayer or 2 right about now. What do you think?

You Da Man! 

Oooohhh...Happy Day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to my beloved Hubby of 25 years!! Let's go for another 25 ok?

Just Another Day? I Think Not!

What a Great Day! Even though the sun didn't shine (again!) the smiles we shared were all bright enough to warm our day! We celebrated Rick's 25 years of dedication to the "Blue Zoo" (IBM) with friends and family. It was fun to hear all the stories of past work experiences from business trips to jokes that were played on each other. Times go by so fast and it's fun to take the time to reflect on your experiences and achievements. Oh...and speaking of achievements I would like to congratulate my Meggie for successfully completing her 3rd year of college!! Woo Hoo! What a great accomplishment! And look out London cause here she comes!! Another Congrats goes to Jamey for his very successful completion of a huge project for Target.com that has received great reviews from many people at the executive level! Not to mention that during this huge project he was also teaching design classes at the College of Visual Arts AaaaaND working on many projects for the MN Timberwolves and the MN Linx websites thru his VERY OWN Sevnthsin.com business! You can go to this link to see his most recent work at Target...http://www.freestylelivin.com/index_main.html

I think that our children's future's look pretty bright...don't you?

Oh Let the Sun Shine!

I can't think of many other places except maybe Seattle that would have so many gloomy days! It is physically and emotionally depressing. I want to get out in the yard and plant some flowers but the sun will not come out to dry things up. I refuse to dig in the mud. I'm not that desperate...really! A friend of mine is moving to Witchita, Kansas. I think I'll go with her. Other than the fact that it is literally in the middle of tornado valley it's got to be sunnier and warmer than here. I think I'll go find something to do. There's got to be a cobweb somewhere I can chase. Apparently Rick thinks I'm his own personal maid now that I'm home. He leaves his stuff everywhere!! Is there a rule out there that says men shouldn't have to put their dishes in the dishwasher (the counter or coffee table is perfectly fine...the cats can lick them clean there), or have so many clothes laying about for weeks that you forget which ones are clean and which ones are dirty?(the top of the dresser or floor is an acceptable place to store your clean or dirty clothes for weeks at a time while the dresser is almost completely empty). Maybe I'm being too petty because I have time on my hands or maybe I'm just finally realizing that I don't get paid enough to pick up after anyone but myself. And that's pushing it too! Hee hee!
I hope you all see the sun shine today and that it will help to change my mood from grumpy to grateful. I am grateful of course...for the many things I have. Remind me of that OK?

I can now see...my future is as bright as can be. Two cousins sharing a moment. 

So much has happened in such a short time in my life. There has been so much good and there is so much more to come, and I wanted you to know that all of this is nothing without you. 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! 

A Day In The Sun!

What a nice day...it could have been a little less windy. I'm glad I didn't have to worry about my hair - Ha! Guess what I did today?! Give up? I ran some inventory into one of my stores in Roch. and realized halfway there that I left the inventory in a box at home! DUH!! I was so focused on all my errands today and hauled a box of extra crystals to my car and forgot the REAL ORDER at home!! What a DITZ! So I had to turn around and go back! A one hour errand turned into about 2 1/2. Jeez! You'd think I was 80 years old! Can't even imagine what it will be like when I'm really that old!
So Sunday is Mother's Day. I prefer to think that every day is mother's day. We work every day to make sure our family is ok. That never stops...even when they leave the nest! To set aside one day to honor the Mom and Dad seems a little silly to me. The family should honor them each and every day! This is something I don't think anyone can truly understand until they've raised a family. Oh well...I guess it IS an excuse for my kids to actually come home to see me! I can deal with that! Yeha!! Come on home...roast and potatoes for supper. Yeah...I'll work on Mother's day...afterall...that's what Mom's do. And for the most part...what we WANT to do! So enjoy the day everyone. Maybe I can get a few pics to post like Brianna! Ha ha!

Oh for Heaven's Sake!!

Happy May Day?? Can I just PLEASE say that this weather "Sucks the Big One"! How we are teased with warm temps for 2 weeks only to be sucked back into the winter war! UUUUUuuuuuuggggghhh! I mean REALLY!! Let's have summer already, ok??? Today was a fun day. I got to announce and play the music for the Just For Kix Spring Show! It was so much fun! Brings back soooo many memories. Good ones. Little kids smiling, dancing, and having fun. I don't miss all the work, however. It was nice to just waltz in and let everyone else worry about everything. Kinda weird though, since I'm so used to running the show...hee hee. Well...I'm sick of freezin' my butt off so I'm gonna go sit in the hot tub to warm up. I think I'm Spoiled, huh? Stay warm everyone and pray for summer!!

Especially at nap time! 

We all need a friend 

I think the key is to use a good bait! 

Look what I caught!  

How Quickly We Remember....

I had the distinct pleasure of watching my nephew for a few hours while his Mom did some volunteering at my neices school. I must say it was the funnest activity I've done in quite a long time! Grant is such a busy boy and it warmed my heart every time he would say "Aunt Cindy" in his little boy's voice! Alexandra is growing up soooo fast I can hardly stand it. I got to spend some real quality time instead of trying to squeeze in a conversation when all the other relatives are around. So many memories are brought back to the surface. Playing games in the park with your little one. Nap time and coming home from school. It warms my heart. Thanks for the memories. Family means everything. I hope you all have a good day.

This is the life! 

Is it Summer?

Ok...so it got up to 80 degrees today! S'gotta be-a record!! If this is any indication of our summer to come...BRING IT ON!! Me and the kitties just hung out and did a little work in the yard. It's starting to come together but we have a few projects yet to get under way. Meggie-Lou-Who...Cabaret was amazing! Even with your butt cheeks hangin' out! Ha! Ha! I'd recognize those "butterbuns" anyday! Well....gotta go for a bike ride with Rick. It's just so beautiful outside who could possibly want to stay inside? Oh yeah...I forgot...my lazy cats, that's who!
Lata....

Go and see Cabaret! Fri-Mon. St. Mary's University! 

I know this is a bad picture but it was taken in the dark...best I could do. Can you tell my baby's happy with her facelift? I think she's actually smiling at me. I'm forgiven. Thank God! 

Cabaret rehearsals are going well....I guess!
Can you guess which one is Megan?? 

Run of Bad Luck!

How come when something goes wrong there seems to be at least 2 other events that follow? Case in point....
1. Cindy goes on business errand and crashes car...unexpected costs of over $600 for her share of the damage(Thank God no one was seriously hurt!).
2. Cindy decides to be safe and stay home playing the role of "Suzy Homemaker" only to find her refrigerator has broken down...unexpected delay in finishing her tasks and 3 hours to find a new one along with costs of $1000.
3. This one hasn't happened yet...maybe you could figure out what it may be so she can be properly prepared.
I know you're all thinking things could be worse and I DO know that...but REALLY! It's just soooo frustrating sometimes!

Gotta be a Record # of Posts!!

Ok...everybody wants to know and I think I'm calmed down enough now to share. I need to say that I think it's rather cruel of all of you to make me re-live this horrible experience again! But here goes...Ok...so I'm driving down 37th street in Rochester which, of course as you would expect every "freakin" street in this city to be, is under construction (no workers or road torn up...just some stupid cones to channel all of us frustrated travelers into one lane to see how long it takes before somebody snaps!) With a car, an SUV, and a pickup ahead of me stopped at a stop light takin in the sights and tryin to figure out just why in the hell we're funneled into one lane on such a busy street...the light turns green...we start to move. I glance to my left at a beautiful new coffee shop and look forward to a bright set of RED BRAKELIGHTS in my face!! Needless to say...I couldn't stop quick enough. I ram my poor baby into the back of this piece of crap 1990 black Chevy pickup! Luckily (and I say this with tears in my eyes) there was a Sheriff 2 cars behind me and she called the city PO-LICE. To make matters really "sucky" the guy in the pickup wasn't wearing his seat belt and didn't have his license with him! He told me later that he'd just gotten his bumper fixed from an accident he had 2 months ago and that he had to slam his brakes on too. GREAT!! So the medics were called and he was checked because of some neck pain he was experiencing (well...duh!), and I stood outside for like an hour waiting for everyone to finish up their business. The medics asked me if I was OK as the tears streamed down my face and I said I was "just fine...seat belts save lives" thanks for finally asking. The kind policeman issued me a ticket with a smile ("hey...I'm being easy on you"---uh-huh, yeah, right!) and told me to get my car checked out to make sure it was drivable. Everything will be fine...I was not hurt in the least (except for my composure) and the car will be fixed by the end of the week. Soooo....My business trip into town to make money ended up costing me about $600!!
I think I'll stay home and clean from now on. Sound good to you?

Guess who had a little Oops today! Uh-huh...my baby needs a face lift for sure. You can all comment on how you think this may have happened. I may enlighten you...or not! I'm not in the mood right now!  

Seems like summer

Isn't our weather beautiful?! I'm enjoying it sooo much! I've been somewhat busy so far this week. It's a good thing cause I get bored easily. I'm trying to find any excuse not to have to do my spring cleaning! I've been digging into Rick's business and that's always entertaining. I'm marketing his Home Inspection Business and making calls, emails, etc. to drum up business. It's exciting to see progress! Rick hates doing that kind of stuff so since I'm more of a people person I can make it happen. If anyone knows anyone who needs or wants a home inspection you know who to call! I'm kinda like his secretary...I think we should have an affair (hee hee)!
I'm also continuing to drum up business for myself. I've got several businesses carrying my crystals and a fundraiser that I'm doing also. It's good to still be moving the goods. I am in the process of preparing for a Pilates Clinic I'll be presenting in June for the K-M Dance team. Since I'm certified (or certifiable-Ha!) they contracted me to teach them core strength. Should be a challenge and lots of fun! I am also trying to organize our London trip in October. Since Megan is putting on a show over there we'll have to go and visit. We are trying to do an exchange on our timeshare so it won't be so expensive for accomodations. I hope I can figure it all out and that it works for us. I'll keep you posted on that score. As you can see I've not had time to get too bored. But don't worry...summer's not over yet!
Anyway...I hope you are all enjoying our summer-like weather. I'm sure it won't last too long. Just wishful thinking.
Ciao

Must Be why...

Oh...and since I rarely receive any comments on my page I'll just assume you're all dead (except for you Mom...that bypass did you wonders!!)! Yeah...that's it.

Go Figure...

Did you ever wonder why, after it has happened many times, you still try?
I wonder...many times.

We'll try this again...Oh wait...I guess it worked now!

Ok...so I completed a large post yesterday and proceeded to publish it. Suddenly in big red letters the word "ERROR" shows up and my blog goes to "Never Never Land" not to be seen or written ever again. How frustrating!! Now I have to try and remember what I wrote yesterday and that isn't gonna happen anytime soon! UUUGH! So now I think I will copy each and every blog before I post it. Sounds like a good idea to me. So it's a beautiful day outside and I just slept until 9:00am. Why would I wish to sleep this gorgeous morning away you ask? Apparently I needed the sleep. I've been working out pretty hard and I think my body needed the extra healing time. Uh huh. You heard me...extra healing time. Seems it can only re-coop when I sleep. So there you have it...my excuse for being a lazy bum! Hee hee. Well...anyway...I need to find something to do today. I was going to go to Winona but decided I didn't want to drive that far when I just saw Megan on Monday. I need to make her beg me to come down and visit. Then I know it will be appreciated. Sooooo....I better get going and figure out what I'ma gonna doa! Have a Happy Day! Love you all!

I know...it's soooo Exciting!!

I know you can all hardly wait to read my next blog because they're all just soooo exciting! Yeah right! I really did not do much today. Just watched the snow melt and yes, did more laundry. It never ends even with just the two of us. I need to start doing my spring cleaning but I'm having a hard time starting it. I'm trying to finish a book I started but I have a hard time sitting for too long. I'm just not used to it. Seems as though many homemaker things are hard for me to do now! Ha! I've been out of the mode for so long it's going to take me awhile to figure it out again. I did pose as one of the judges for our school's cheerleading try outs. It was fun! Tomorrow I may go visit my lovely daughter. She needs to remember what her mother looks like so I'll go show my face. Well...gotta go watch my favorite show...The Apprentice! I love it! Have a good day everyone.